John Hunt's AP ballot: Alabama drops to No. 4; Ducks still at No. 7

Doug Beghtel/The OregonianStanford is one of two teams to leap Alabama, which had the misfortune of playing LSU.

How far do you drop Alabama?

We got No. 1 vs. No. 2 on Saturday, and LSU held onto No. 1 by beating the Tide in a remarkably touchdown-free game. We know that these are, unquestionably, the two best defenses in the land. Is Alabama still among the two best teams?

Dropping the Tide past No. 2, in effect, penalizes them for playing No. 1. ... OK, I'm fine with that. Alabama slips to No. 4, behind Oklahoma State and Stanford.

The Cowboys have proven themselves worthy of the No. 2 spot by beating Texas, Texas A&M and Kansas State and crushing Baylor. I think Stanford is worthy, too, and we will all find out just how worthy next week when Oregon comes to town.

As for the Ducks - sorry, Oregon fans, but they're still behind Oklahoma on my ballot.

Yes, Oregon lost to the No. 1 team and Oklahoma lost to unranked Texas Tech - the key word being lost. The Ducks got manhandled by LSU and have not beaten any team that will be in tonight's BCS standings (assuming Arizona State drops out). Oklahoma has beaten two (Kansas State and Texas).

Again, it will all be clearer in a week. With a win over Stanford, Oregon would jump the Cardinal, the Sooners and probably Boise State.